West Virginia American Water to host community "WaterFest" event Aug. 9

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (July 30, 2014) – West Virginia American Water invites area residents to experience the wonderful world of water at its upcoming WaterFest on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 1-5 p.m. at the Kanawha Valley Water Treatment Plant on Court Street in downtown Charleston. The free festival and open house will offer water treatment plant tours, educational demonstrations, children’s activities, face painting and refreshments. Plus, the event’s Splash Zone will feature water games, an inflatable water slide, slip-and-slides and more – so be prepared to get wet!

“West Virginia American Water has served this state for nearly 130 years and held a similar community celebration at the Kanawha Valley treatment plant for its 100-year anniversary,” said Jeff McIntyre, president of West Virginia American Water. “The feedback we’ve received from customers over the past six months following the Freedom Industries spill is that they are increasingly interested in how water is treated and delivered. This heightened awareness of the value of clean, reliable tap water makes our WaterFest an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about our drinking water and experiencing the human side of water.”

Attendees can help “fix” a water leak, climb up on heavy equipment and vehicles used in the water industry, learn how a water meter works, and even help extinguish a “fire.” Several community partners, including the Charleston Fire Department, Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences, West Virginia Rivers Coalition and Dollar Energy Fund will be present in the event’s Water Wise tent, where they will host additional activities and share information about how various organizations work together in the world of water. “This event allows customers to meet our professional team who works 24/7 to produce and deliver clean water to the communities we serve in and around the Kanawha Valley, while offering a family-friendly atmosphere where learning is fun,” McIntyre said. “It’s the perfect back-to-school event, because it will feel like a summer festival and kids won’t even realize they are learning the whole time.”

Parking will be available in the United Way parking lot at One United Way Square. Overflow parking will be available under the interstate bridge on Court Street near Donnally Street.

West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 550,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.westvirginiaamwater.com.Connect with us: Facebook.com/wvamwater ● Twitter.com/wvamwater ● YouTube.com/wvamwater